Even before President Obama’s promise to hire bounty hunters to eliminate waste and fraud from Medicare, Regional Home Health Intermediaries had been stepping up their rate of payment denials. Most often, justifications to withhold payments for already provided nursing or therapy services center around “lack of medical necessity.” In case after case, attorneys and appeals consultants […]
When HCTR editor Tim Rowan travels to Albuquerque next month to address the 4-state Southwest Regional Home Care Conference about home care technology, he will make the five-hour drive from Colorado Springs instead of flying. Ask him why and he answers without hesitation, “Two-hour advance arrival times, TSA security lines, airport parking fees, cramped seats, […]
Analysis by Editor Tim Rowan As we have emphasized over the last few months, too much attention is focused on the Recovery Audit Contractor program and too little on other contractors that have the power to reduce home care and hospice revenue today rather than on some unknown date in the future. For the contractors […]
The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society has weighed in on the HHS meaningful use statement. On first read of the proposed regulations, HIMSS believes that there is much more to applaud than criticize. The organization also goes on to say it is important that the healthcare community offers suggestions, revisions and commentary during the next 60 days.
Analysis by Michael McGowan Shortcuts are popular and frequently useful. They can also be misleading and dangerous. In the world of payment denials and appeals where I spend most of my time, a popular new shortcut is the audit tool. I am seriously concerned about those who might rely too heavily on such checklists and […]
If you spend less on auto maintenance, you eventually spend more on repair. If you never paint your house, you eventually have to replace trim boards and eaves. If you save money by not watering your lawn, you end up with dust and mud. The state of California announced this week that it believes these principles do not apply to the cause-and-effect relationship between home care and nursing homes.
by Aricka Flowers HHNS staff writer As the Recovery Audit Contractor program’s January 1, 2010 implementation date nears, this new challenge to healthcare provider revenue looms as an imminent reality. Many providers look at the few remaining weeks between now and 2010 and are racked with fear and anxiety. Is the trepidation warranted? Not all […]
Achieving and maintaining compliance has always been high on the goal statements of every legitimate home care agency. Today, compliance is quickly becoming a survival issue. To help readers sort through current challenges, we traveled to Boston to interview Denise Bonn, Deputy Director of NAHC’s Center for Healthcare law.
Home care’s original and best-known technology journal has evolved into a bigger and better format. Read editor Tim Rowan’s welcome letter and explanation of what to expect from “Home Care Tech Report.”
